Thursday, July 12, 2012

PSG close to Ibra/Thiago mega deal

Paris Saint Germain sporting director Leonardo has confirmed that negotiations are under way with AC Milan over a deal for both Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the total cost reported at €62 million.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva embrace

Thiago Silva, 27, came close to joining the Paris-based side in June, but were turned away by Milan president Silvio Berlusconi. Now, with the prospect of an additional fee for striker Ibrahimovic, 30, it seems that the two parties have struck a deal.

Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola, met with AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani for four hours on Wednesday, when it is believed the fee was agreed. Raiola subsequently flew to Sweden to meet the striker, where he was joined by PSG official Leonardo. The duo, along with lawyer Vittorio Rigo, have since returned to Paris for further talks.

Leonardo told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Yes, negotiations are underway and we have spoken in Sweden. At the moment everything is possible, because the transfer marker is like this, it is always open.

"Soon we meet with Mino Raiola, and see what can be done. This business can only be considered closed when things are finalised."

Ibrahimovic is believed to be willing to move for an increase on his €12 million annual salary, while Thiago Silva struck terms with PSG over a €7.5 million-a-year contract in mid-June.